Best toys for babies, toddlers in 2017

Experts say toys for 1 to 3-year-olds should be designed to prevent choking, poisoning and causing other injuries.

UK-based technology review website Expert Reviews released recently its choices for the best toys for 1 to 3-year-olds in this year. The list includes the Sophie la Girafe teether, the Nuby Octopus Hoopla, Little Scholastic's Old MacDonald Hand Puppet Book and Galt Toys' Dr. Miriam Shape Sorter.

The article highlighted the several key characteristics to take into consideration to make sure a product does not pose a risk to children's safety. Among these are CE certification, which confirms that the toy is intended to be sold within the EU, and EN 71 compliance, ensuring that the product is designed to prevent choking, poisoning and causing other injuries.

The list below shows the categories ER says are strong this year and similar products from verified suppliers from GlobalSources.com.

Teethers

Most manufacturers offer pieces made of food-grade silicone. The latest teethers come in playful designs such as fruit, flowers and animals. Products are often BPA-free and comes in bright colors.

See OEM and private label suppliers offering teethers

Bath toys

Animal and cartoon cartoon character designs are popular. Most bath toys adopt phthalate-free rubber. Some double as puzzles, stacking toys or rattles.

See OEM and private label suppliers offering bath toys

Finger puppets

Finger puppets are a great way to enhance creativity and imagination of a child. China-made releases mostly use plush fabric, and comes in different animal, cartoon and fairy tale themes. Finger toys are often available in sets of five to 10.

See OEM and private label suppliers offering finger puppets

Shape sorters

Popular releases from China manufacturers are made of wood. Some new models adopt bamboo or have FSC-certification. Hues are applied using nontoxic paint. Several shape sorters incorporate puzzles and stackers, and also teach about numbers, letters and colors.

See OEM and private label suppliers offering shape sorters

Light-up toys

Often integrating musical function, the latest light-up toys adopt colorful LEDs and feature flashing mode. Similar to other toys, animal and cartoon character themes are popular. Housing are made of plastic, silicone or plush fabric. Models that teach about constellations, planets, shapes and sounds are available.

See OEM and private label suppliers offering light-up toys